Round of a-paws, please. From pup-friendly patios to spoiling your pup with a trip to the Polkadog Bakery, it makes sense that Boston is filled with a plethora of parks and watering holes where you can bring your pooch.
Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at Bone Up Brewing Company, hitting a farmers market, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly spots around the 617.
Pro tip: Dogs ride the T for free during non-rush hours, so grab your four-legged friends and let’s go find the paw-fect place to explore.
*While only service dogs are allowed indoors, here are just a few pup-friendly patios you and your dog can explore.
🐾 New “Dog-Friendly Spaces” Variance
Effective June 1, the City of Boston has a special variance in place for approved businesses to welcome leashed dogs in outdoor spaces. Boston area restaurants and beer gardens with outdoor spaces can apply for the permit — here are a few spots that have been approved for pup-friendly patios this summer.
- Aeronaut Brewery, 267 Western Ave. | Head to Allston to enjoy this colorful patio with a cold beer.
- Castle Island Brewing, 10 Old Colony Ave. | The South Boston brewery is located next door to Shy Bird, which also has a pet-friendly patio.
- Cisco Brewers, 81 Northern Ave. | Head to the Seaport summer beer garden with your pup — and be prepared to wait in line.
- Dorchester Brewing, 1250 Massachusetts Ave. | Order your pup a “dog beer” and let them enjoy a treat or two at “Dogchester Brewing.”
- Long Live Roxbury, 152 Hampden St. | Visit the newly opened Roxbury brewery Fridays-Sundays.
- Notch Brewery, 525 Western Ave. | This Brighton brewery is located inside the Charles River Speedway. Pro tip: Super Bien’s patio is also pet-friendly.
- Roundhead Brewing, 1 Westinghouse Plz. | This Hyde Park brewery has a shaded patio and picnic tables waiting for you and your pup.
- 75 Chestnut, 75 Chestnut St. | This cozy Beacon Hill pop-up patio is ready to pawty with you and your pup.
- 75 on Liberty Wharf, 220 Northern Ave. | Enjoy the waterfront views on this Seaport patio.
- Bell in Hand, 45-55 Union St. | Enjoy the shaded patio at this historic pub in the heart of downtown.
- The Anchor, 1 Shipyard Park | Head to Charlestown to grab a cold drink in the wine and beer garden, located in the Navy Yard.
- LUCIE drink + dine, 120 Huntington Ave. | Located at the base of the The Colonnade hotel, the 40-seat year-round patio is ready to welcome dogs and dog parents for breakfast and dinner.
- SRV, 569 Columbus Ave. | Get your reservations in for this South End Venetian-style eatery.
- Salty Pig, 130 Dartmouth St. | This Back Bay eatery is serving up charcuterie, pizza, and pasta dishes to enjoy on the patio.
- Stats Bar & Grill, 77 Dorchester St. | Cheer on your favorite sports team on the patio with your favorite dogs.
- Shy Bird, 12 Old Colony Ave. | Bring your pup to this South Boston patio and enjoy a cocktail or two with the ranch chicken sandwich.
- The Tip Tap Room, 138 Cambridge St. | This patio features tables with umbrellas and Beacon Hill views.
- Yellow Door Taqueria, 354 Harrison Ave. | Head to the South End patio for a frozen beverage or two to enjoy with your pup in tow.
🐾 Breweries
- Cambridge Brewing Company, 1 Kendall Sq. | Ask your patio server for a specialty pup snack.
- Short Path Distillery, 71 Kelvin St. Everett | The pet-friendly patio is semi-covered and has live music to enjoy with your spirits.
- Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett | Picnic tables, turf, and cold brews are awaiting you and your pup on the patio.
- Bone Up Brewing Company, 38 Norman St., Everett | Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors on the patio, featuring umbrellas and tents for shaded areas.
- Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville | Dogs are allowed at the outdoor seating area, which is available on a first come, first served basis.
Every pup deserves this Cow Paws from JP Licks with honey and peanut butter sorbet topped with a dog bone.
Photo by @louisthenewfie
🐾 Restaurants
- J.P. Licks, Multiple locations | The ice cream shop offers a pet friendly sorbet.
- Flour Bakery, Multiple locations | Pick a patio location, like the South End’s Washington Street spot, and enjoy a coffee and pastry with your pup.
- Area Four, 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge | The Kendall Square location has a patio perfect for pizza with your pup.
- Coppa, 253 Shawmut Ave. | This 20-seat South End patio is open for pets and located down the road from an off leash park.
- The Friendly Toast, Multiple locations | What could be better than brunch on the patio with your pooch?
Stop by the Fairmont Copley Plaza to meet the Canine Ambassador, Cori.
Photo by @coricopley
🐾 Hotels
- The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St. | The “Yappier Hour” season will be kicking off in May on Mondays.
- Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave. | Book the signature Fairmont Furiend room package to treat your four-legged family member to a luxury stay with canine perks. Don’t forget to meet the black Lab Cori Copley, the hotel’s mascot and canine ambassador.
- Omni Parker House, 60 School St. | This historic hotel welcomes two dogs up to 25 lbs for an additional fee of $125 per stay. Dogs may be left in the room unattended as long as a ‘Pets Inside’ hanger is placed on the door. Four-legged guests receive complimentary use of food and water bowls.
Even the pups want their picture taken on Acorn Street.
Photo by @thepieddogwalker
🐾 Parks
- Boston Common, 115 Boylston St. | America’s oldest public park rotates the designated off-leash spaces, so look for signage before letting your dog roam. As far as leashed canines, they’re welcome any time.
- Public Garden, 4 Charles St. | Enjoy the sculptures and botanical gardens with your dog on leash.
- Peters Park, 1205 Washington St. | Peters Park offers one of the best fenced-in dog runs in Boston proper.
- Carleton Court, SW Corridor Park | The fenced-in area is mostly concrete, which can be a good thing if your pup is a digger or likes a romp in the mud.
- East First Street Dog Park, 768 E 1st St. | This quarter-acre pooch paradise opened in 2016, and is now complete with a doggie fountain and canine exercise equipment.
- South Boston Bark Park, 1280 Columbia Rd. | This expansive dog park is in barking distance of M Street Beach.
- Paul Revere Park, N Washington Street | Dogs can run free in this park with views of the Zakim Bridge.
- North Point Park, 6 Museum Way, Cambridge | The 8.5-acre spot with fantastic views allows dogs off-leash.
- Zero New Washington Street, 0 New Washington St., Somerville | This park includes obstacles for the pooches and a gazebo for the humans.
- RUFF North End, Richmond Street | Nestled between North and Fulton streets, this park has turf, agility courses, and a water play area.
There are plenty of places to explore with your pup.
Photo by @georgethebernedood
🐾 Reader recommendations
- “BearMoose Brewing Company in Everett is not only dog-friendly on the patio, but indoors! That means your pup can be with you all year long.” — Kait
- “Sometimes we take the T ferry from the North End/Waterfront to Charlestown just to enjoy a short ride! 🐕 but our favorite of all time is @polkadogbakery 🧡🧡 ” — @sara_shaban
- “Kayaking on the river was our favorite this summer! 🛶” — @yourdailycharli
- “Dillon’s on Boyston St. has a patio and allows dogs.” — CJ
Sniffing around for more options? Check out our guide to Park-9, New England’s first dog bar. You can also use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels, and events.
